The Malta Flag - a Historical Perspective

Malta's strategic position has, since time immemorial, placed the island at the forefront in the maritime world. Its position, at the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, and in the middle of one of the major shipping arteries, have enabled Malta to offer a whole range of international maritime services and facilities. This, coupled to its deep natural harbours and well equipped ports, offer a haven for international shipping.

With the 1973 promulgation of the Merchant Shipping Act, Chapter 234 of the Laws of Malta, the Malta Flag formally established itself as an ‘open’ register. The Malta Maritime Authority ("the Authority or MMA") was  established in 1991 following the enactment of the Malta Maritime Authority Act, Chapter 352 of the Laws of Malta. The Authority's role is to administer the Malta Registry of Shipping and Seamen (the “Registry”). This open ship register is one of the eight largest registers in the world.

Today, in addition to its renowned international ship register, Malta offers additional services, including bunkering; ship supplies and towage services; ship building and ship repair yards; modern facilities for transhipment and distribution; a cruise liners hub; international yacht marinas; a very successful and efficient Freeport and oil terminal;  high level training for officers and a very well respected nautical school.

Malta is committed to continuous expansion as an international service centre. This is evidenced by its sophisticated legal and financial regime, by the huge investment in infrastructural services, and by the sheer determination to succeed. This is manifested in the professionalism shown by the government administration branch, as well as the highly trained professionals who provide back-up services.

Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates advises and represents clients in matters dealing with ship registration and finance, the sale and mortgage of vessels, charter-parties, bills of lading and marine insurance. The firm acts in Malta for several of the major London firms of solicitors & law firms which specialise in shipping matters and directly for owners and operators of vessels.